5 Best Business Schools in Switzerland
What comes to mind when Switzerland is mentioned is usually its magnificent Alpine mountain ranges, exquisite old towns, and its world-famous chocolate. Besides these sites and specialties that draw people there every year, Switzerland is also known for its excellent financial system and great economy.
Having one of the best economies in the world, business in Switzerland is thriving. Numerous large companies have their headquarters and branches in Switzerland, creating numerous opportunities for professionals. With a thriving economy, Switzerland is also home to many prestigious business schools, and this article will introduce the top business schools in Switzerland.
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Best Business Schools in Switzerland
1. University of St. Gallen (HSG)
- University of St. Gallen Page
- Degrees offered: Bachelors’ degree, master’s degree, MBA, Ph.D.
- Language of instruction: Bachelors’ degree (English and German), master’s degree (English, English and German, German), MBA (English), Ph.D. (English, English and German)
Having a great performance in global rankings, the first school on the list is the University of St. Gallen (HSG). HSG is Switzerland’s best business school. In addition to having Triple Crown Accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), HSG is home to some of the best programs in the world. Its Master in Strategy and International Management program was ranked #1 in the world by Financial Times Master in Management Ranking, and it is #4 in Financial Times European Business School Ranking.
Different from other business schools, HSG offers degree programs in other disciplines, such as law and computer science. Business and management, however, is its main focus. HSG is known for its high-quality research and excellent education, and its skilled graduates are highly sought after by companies in need of new talent.
Having excellent academics, reputation, and performance in global rankings, HSG’s quality is not to be doubted. With these positive attributes, HSG continues to excel and has proven to be one of the best.
2. IMD Business School
- IMD Business School Page
- Degrees offered: MBA
- Language of instruction: English
Next on our list of best business schools in Switzerland is the outstanding IMD Business School. IMD specializes in open programs for professionals with work experience, and the open programs were ranked #1 worldwide from 2012 to 2019 by Financial Times. For those looking to get a degree, IMD also offers an MBA and EMBA degree program, and its executive education is ranked #1 in 2020 by Financial times as well.
Established by businesspeople decades ago, IMD Business School strives to inspire and cultivate future leaders who challenges existing knowledge. With a global perspective, IMD has partner universities all over the globe and another campus in Singapore. This enables research collaborations and creates international opportunities for its students.
The quality of IMD is not to be doubted, as it is internationally accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, one of the only 102 business schools to have received all three. With an innovative spirit, IMD Business School continues to educate talented students and contribute to creating knowledge.
3. Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics at the University of Zurich
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics Page
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, Ph.D.
- Language of instruction: Bachelor’s degree (German), master’s degree (English, German), Ph.D. (English, German)
Being a faculty of a top 100 university, the quality of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics at the University of Zurich is unquestionable. This faculty’s teaching and research are closely linked, meaning that students will learn directly from outstanding academics, and courses are based on cutting-edge research.
The faculty offers a wide variety of programs, and students also have the option to have a minor. To disseminate knowledge, this top business school in Switzerland also offers minor programs for students from other faculties. Educated and trained by the finest academics in this field, its graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, business, and even politics.
With its world-class academics, excellent education, and outstanding research, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics at the University of Zurich is well on its way to realizing its goal of being the best faculty in Europe.
4. Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne) at the University of Lausanne
- HEC Lausanne Page
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, Ph.D.
- Language of instruction: Bachelor’s degree (French and English), master’s degree (English, French and English), Ph.D. (English and French)
With over a hundred years of experience and excellence, the Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne) at the University of Lausanne is the next recommended business school in Switzerland. Valuing research, HEC Lausanne has been a creator of knowledge ever since 1911.
Excellent research is the foundation of this faculty, and researchers at HEC Lausanne constantly publish within top-class journals. Programs are designed based on research, and it is also used to train executives and managers into better leaders. Through its alumni and partner companies, HEC Lausanne has a close relationship with the business world. Its Career Center helps link skilled graduates and students with suitable companies
Recognized internationally as a leading business school, HEC Lausanne continues to train talented students, inspire researchers, and make a positive change in the business world.
5. Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) at the University of Geneva
- Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) Page
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, Ph.D.
- Language of instruction: Bachelor’s degree (English and French), master’s degree (English), Ph.D. (English)
We end our list of the best business schools in Switzerland with the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) at the University of Geneva. GSEM is dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge. Other than its degree programs, GSEM also offers a certificate program in statistics and MOOCs designed for working professionals who need to expand their skillset and further education.
Located in an international city, GSEM’s bachelor programs are bilingual. First-year students are taught in both English and French, and courses are in either English or French afterwards. This helps students acquire the language skills they need for the labor market, and it increases their international competitiveness. Valuing a global mindset, its postgraduate programs are all delivered in English, welcoming international students and enabling knowledge exchange.
GSEM may be the last on this list, but it certainly is ahead in the research and education of economics and management. Being a leading business school worldwide, GSEM is surely an excellent choice for those wanting to study in this field.
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